Welcome and Happy New Year. I have been quite a stranger this past year. I left you high and dry. But friends, I needed to go through some changes to be ready to get back here. Don’t worry, I still ate a ton, drank some more and went on quite a few adventures. For starters, I got engaged!!! Which is always exciting, and always stressful.

I also decided it would be smart to start a new job. Which is crazier than planning a wedding but I decided to do both…at the same time. Like the break up of a boyfriend, it took me some time to get through all this change and I am still learning how to juggle all the things I have going on. In the meantime, I eat, I adventure, and I learn. So guys, I am back to share that journey. And what better place than starting with pizza at 800 Degrees.

800 Degrees is a fast service pizza place, really the first of its kind before we got Blaze, Pizza Rev, etc. It is located in Westwood, in good ol’ Bruin territory. You order one of the 3-4 pizzas at a counter, and then can add on additional toppings (there are many) for a dollar each topping. Then, your pizza goes into their oven to cook for 3-4 minutes at “800 degrees.” Get it?

800 Degrees also offers salads (see above – The Baby Kale Salad), burrata appetizers/small plates, and side dishes. The meatballs are amazing, and I love the beets and burrata. The options are endless, and if you can’t pick a pizza, they have specialty pizzas ready for your choosing that are well balanced and tasty. I prefer the make your own though because I am in the mood for something different every time I visit this place.

I really love the crust on the pizzas here, and I like how quick you get your food without feeling like it is pre-made. It doesn’t hurt that there is a great wine and beer selection to help you eat your carbo load. And when you are done, there is a gelato bar for those needing a night cap!